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Troubleshooting a "no cooling" situation.

First, check the simple things they're usually the easiest to fix.
Circuit breakers, Fuses, Thermostat set cool enough?, Thermostat has good batteries?

The problems below are probably a bit more than the average "Do it yourselfer" would like to get into.
But at least when you do call for help you can explain it better to the technician.

1. Outdoor condensing fan motor has stopped running. This problem could be caused by a bad motor run capacitor.
If your motor capacitor is not the problem, then more than likely you need a new motor.
Is the fan blade tight, stiff or hard to turn? If it is then you probably need a new motor.

2. Air conditioner compressor will not start. When power is applied to the outdoor unit the fan starts,
but you hear a sound like the compressor is trying to start for about 5 to 10 seconds and then all
you hear is the condenser fan run. The compressor is locked and will not start.
The first thing to check is the compressor capacitor. If that is good, it's probably a compressor problem.
AC compressors are sealed units that in most cases cannot be repaired. Sometimes you can
get them "unlocked" by using a "Super Boost" capacitor, but most of the time it's a sure sign that you will
be needing a new compressor.

3. AC or Heat Pump outdoor unit will not shut off. The only thing that works is pulling the disconnect
or turning off the breaker.
This would be caused by a contactor that got "welded" together probably because of pitted contacts.
Best bet would be to get a new contactor.

This is a short list of common AC problems, there are many more things that could
happen to your air conditioning unit but it is beyond the scope of this web page to
take the place of a qualified technician.

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